Florence is pure magic, the birth place of the Italian Renaissance, home to the likes of Danté, Giotto, Ghiberti, Brunelleschi, Botticelli... and the titans of the Italian Renaissance, Leonardo and Michelangelo. For anyone who likes great art, this city has no equal. At the far left in the photo just barely visible is a corner of the Baptistry, with its famous "Doors of Paradise," created by Ghiberti. The intricately carved rectangular structure is the Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore, or simply "the Duomo," built during a 140-year period (1296-1436) to the design of Arnolfo di Cambio. Its bell tower, the Campanile, seen on the right was designed by the most prominent Early Renaissance genius, Giotto. Hence, it is simply known as "Giotto's Tower." But the most impressive component of the Duomo is the double-shell dome, designed by Filippo Brunelleschi. Its shape is evocative of the pointed (narrow) end of an egg. Brunelleschi designed special hoists to raise tens of thousands of bricks, in assembling the dome from the outside. The cylindrical lantern crowning the dome is not just for looks, but it is crucial, serving as a keystone to give the dome structural strength, to keep it from caving in. The scale can be appreciated from the tourists seen milling around the lantern. Brunelleschi is famous for another monumental achievement. He is the first artist to formulate the theory of linear perspective.

Finally, Leonardo, as a 19-year old assistant to the sculptor André del Verrocchio, using hoists similar to those invented by Brunelleschi, supervised the placing of a 2.4 m diameter gilt copper ball on top of the lantern. It was this experience, as much as any other, that awakened in him a life-long passion for gadgetry and engineering.

I recommend the following site to enjoy a 360° view from the top of the dome.

I would like to dedicate this photo to Ross King whom I am proud to claim as a friend.

This image will be placed in a new group theme, DOMES. I Welcome others to contribute.

I'm always fascinated by the story of big monuments, be it the Duomo of Florence, the St Sophia of Istanbul or the Brooklyn Bridge of New York. This narrative of yours is as interesting as always.

I had the chance to read the story of Duomo before posting a picture on Fotokritik a few years ago. That's an uncommon thing for people like myself -who are accustomed to see any big monuments around to be built in a few years only (St Sophia or Suleymaniye in 4-5 years)- to read European monuments to be built in the course of many centuries. That's not an exception here.

Yours angle is nice, depicting the "modern" marble exterior of the facade.

Another great and significant architecture shot!
This is so impressive and vivid image!
Great cropping and zoom in the attractive points.
Thanks for sharing with your finest work and have a good day, Best regrads.

Dear Bulent,
these magnificent buildings are very rewarding subjects for the photographer and you have captured the beauty of the architecture excellently. This photo is also great art work. Everything is perfect! It is especially this fantastic perspective that makes the image successful. My compliments - I also enjoyed reading the interesting note.
Warm regards
Harriet

Hello Bulent,
There is no way to take this fabulous Cattedeale in one close-up photo.
The magnificent archi. details collected well.
You manged parts of the dome, campanile and facade in one comulative shot.
Marvelous,
Ike

*** Funny thing happened: I re-entered to edit my critique - and lost the smiley, sorry.

Hi Bulent, it is so difficult to make photos of the facade, Campanile and Brunelleschi Dome (my friend thought it was Polish name :)) , you found a great POV. Fantastic view. Haha, I see the people on the dome. When I was last time in Florence, there were so many people that I didn't go inside and went to Fiesole instead. Stunning sharpness.
In my iPad I have an ebook A Wanderer in Florence, by E. Lucas, something like a guidebook from 1912. I can read it and look at my photos - interesting virtual trip a bit back in time.
Warm regards

Hello Bulent,
what a impressive architecture. This is a very beautiful picture with an excellent composition and wonderful framework as well. Splendid colors, sharpness,, super clarity of so many details. An amazing city. I love to be over there one more time. Fantastic work. Perfectly well done. Thanks for sharing and informative note.
All the best,
Barbara

I like the view. Your fascination with the dome is very evident in your image. The tight cropping shows very effectively all the stunningly beautiful details. The dome is so large that it is probably impossible to capture the edifice in one frame. I was there longtime ago. The essence of the majestic structure is well seen and very well presented. It is almost as good as being there. Thank you professor for this very personal view.

With my very best wishes,
Have a great week, Professor
Nobu.

P.S: I thank you for the invitation, and for a very rare opportunity. I thank you again.

Hi Bulent, Good aspect showing the grandeur of this large dome.I saw a documentary on the design and building of this masterpiece recently,and Florence is a favorite city so ood to see this fine sharp image. TFS. Murray

Knowing well this place I know it's not easy to frame this remarkable dome and façade. I think you managed to create a pleasant and well balanced composition where the main elements (façade, bell tower and cupola) are shown and highlighted.
The deep blue sky enhances the contrast and makes the image so pleasant to see. Last time I was there I still used a film camera and I remember well the squeezed buildings, the deep shadows and the huge crowds of tourists which prevented me from taking a decent photo! (:-)
Thanks for your very interesting note (as usual),
Donato

Hello Bulent,
A beautiful set in a frame Savannah, on the facade, the campanile and the dome that day and night, is always crowded.
The building's beauty is undeniable, but otherwise the interior of the dome, there are other churches in Florence, whose interior is much nicer than Santa Maria. To me the one I like is the Santa Croce.
Excellent colors and details.
Best Regards
Charo

You took this image with good consideration, we get facade on an excellent way with all details, also the dome and tower in background care for depth and perspective.
Florence one wonderful art city
Composition and presentation are splendid.
Very well done, TFS.

The three in one . The dome, the tower and the facade have been captured very well with all the architectural details. The blue sky definitely enhances the beauty of the image. Nice view with superb colors and sharpness.

Hello Bulent.
I hadn't ever actually read anything about the famous dome, so your note is appreciated. You've made me curious about the author and the book, which I'll look out for. The photo itself is inventive and thoughtful in conception - I don't recall seeing a shot of the dome from this angle, peeking out from between the bell tower and the Basilica. Excellent exposure controls very well the highlights in the bright conditions, and provides great detail and clarity.
Regards,
Andrew

What a beautiful close crop of this magnificent architecture. The deep blue of the sky contrasts so exquisitely against the red tones of the dome. The details are so impressive, no matter how many times I see this cathedral, there is always something new to discover.

Hello Bulent my friend. I am not sure if you are back in the safety of your own home or still enjoying the excitement of travel.. This is a most amazing cropped image .. the wonderful detail in the buildings and creations. and of course your always interesting notes .. Have a good day or eve. Where ever you may be. Rich

Hello Bulent! A note extensive, combined with an image of the beautiful architectural work of famous Florence! we give a beautiful spot making! offers little of the charm of detail with dominant beautiful facades and the Brunelleschi dome! Good idea!Best Regards
Georgios

hello Bulent
this is a splendid picture, I love the tight framing emphasizing the fine architecture and each of the small details.It was a chance to have a so blue sky on which they can superbly stand out.Magnificent!
Regards
Pascale

Clever POV showing just the amazing Italian Renaissance architecture, set in contrast with the deep blue sky. Excellent note as well. High sharpness, countless interesting details and bold framing. Well done.

It is with the brilliant graphic signature, dear Bulent. And your effort to find original position for most original composition. From well known motif. I agree with Planet and stress that it is a big pleasure to meet you everywhere. Best continuation, friend.

Ciao dear Bulent,
also this time you have given us a valuable lesson about the architecture of the Italian Renaissance and its protagonists, documented by an interesting and beautiful image. Very interesting your citation about the linear perspective, again today considered a fundamental theory of the photograph.
Thank you, dear friend, is always a pleasure and an honor to enjoy your works!
Ciao, have a very nice week!
Paolo

Hi Bulent
I chose this photo for the richness and variety of architecture.
The dome peeking out in behind is like the younger child looking for attention peering over your shoulder into the camera lens.
I'm always impressed with the European architecture. Enjoy your weekend
craig

The tight framing draws my attention to the dome, and the fine architecture only works a framing!
Impressive to see how much money and effort they put into building houses of worship back then, I guess it tells the story of the wealth and power of the church...
A well balanced presentation, rich colours!

It's a small representation but I can imagine the massiveness of the dome. Beautiful and intricate motif on those building, nicely captured with good details. Wonderful colors. And, thank you for the valuable information. Well done, tfs.

Hello Dear Professor 'A'
Nice picture of the famous landmark from Florence. A picture whose frame is 'packed' with details, the partial view of the bell tower on the right & the famous dome in the centre. Yes, Florence was the highlight of my small Italian trip 16 years ago (seems like yesterday)
With Warmest Regards
Angshuman

Buongiorno Bulent
Florence is, indeed, a beautiful city of Art, which I would like to visit a day...
You had favourable light and blue sky, allowing to see the architectural details, from a close approach. The tight framing is working well and sharpness is appreciable.
Interesting 360° view! I've got a blank page, when clicking on the link "Domes"?
Best regards
Marilyn

Hello Bülent!
Every kind of representation has its limits. Either the whole complex with its perfect proportions and majestic shape or selected parts with their rich ornaments. You chose an individual, intuitive approach which is certainly not optimal for documentation but I feel it somehow more adequate to the spirit of the Rinascimento.
Congratulations
Laszlo

Hi Bulent
A superb view of the cathedral, which stands out against the rich blue sky.Fantastic architecture - very intricate carvings.
Interesting crop
Best Wishes Gladys.
P.S. Glad you liked my picture of The Meet.

I would give anything to know where you were standing! Brilliant! Color and focus also are amazing. These buildings are overwhelmingly large and it is so difficult to find a POV that will do them justice. You have!
I'm reading Ross King's book on Michelangelo and am looking forward to his Brunelleschi book next.